Unforgettable  Uzbekistanholidays & tours

Uzbekistan’s extreme continental climate means you’ll find everything from freezing cold in winter to soaring heat in summer, so the best weather to visit Uzbekistan is found in late March to mid-June and September to October. However, this peak season is also when you’ll encounter the biggest crowds on your Uzbekistan holidays. If you’re looking to visit outside those times, February is cold but dry with very few visitors, although it’s too cold to sleep in a tent at this time of year, while March tends to be wetter. July and August are too hot to explore for much of the day or for desert camping, while November and December see subzero temperatures and fewer events taking place. 

Yes. Although Uzbekistan is predominantly a Muslim country, alcoholic drinks were introduced under Soviet rule and have stayed part of the culture. There is no imported alcohol, so only local alcoholic drinks are available though, including vodka, some sweet wines and beer. Visitors can bring a limited amount of alcohol into the country, as long as they are over the legal drinking age of 21.

Be wary of using your camera around official buildings, while drones are not permitted without a licence. Same-sex relationships are also illegal as well as frowned upon socially, so be aware before showing affection in public. Some medications are also not permitted, unless you have a prescription and they are declared on entry, including common over-the-counter medications containing codeine or pseudoephedrine (such as cold and flu tablets and some painkillers). You’re also required to carry your passport at all times during your Uzbekistan holidays, so don’t forget to keep that on you. 

here are generally no limitations on what you can wear in major cities and tourist areas, where western clothing is common. When visiting religious sites, you need to cover your shoulders and knees, while women should wear a headscarf. Attitudes are more conservative in some areas such as the Ferghana Valley, where it’s best to cover up and keep clothing modest. The weather is more likely to dictate what you wear, with layers essential for most of spring and autumn, when the majority of travellers visit. 

Uzbekistan is generally a safe destination for tourists, with any trouble confined to the border area around Afghanistan and Tajikistan. Violent crimes are also rare against foreign visitors. Do be aware of your belongings in crowded places such as bazaars and public transport where petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, or opportunist crime, including theft of unattended bags, are possible. Otherwise it pays to take the usual precautions as visiting any European destination. Joining an Uzbekistan guided tour is a good option if you’re concerned about travelling independently, with tour leaders on the ground to help as needed, and who have a good idea of any risks.

UK citizens do not currently need a visa for trips to Uzbekistan of 30 days or less. Requirements can change, though – for the most up-to-date information on visas, please use the quick-check tool on our visa requirements page.

Uzbekistan is most famous for its history as an important stop along the Silk Route, with cities like Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva among those on visitors’ Uzbekistan holidays wishlist. The capital Tashkent and fascinating city of Shakhrisabz are two other highlights. Venture further afield and you can find Zoroastrian history at Chilpyk, as well as the Fergana Valley, known as the Garden of Uzbekistan.

The local currency is the Uzbekistani som (or sum), officially divided into 100 tiyin. Coins have such a tiny value that you’re very unlikely to find any, and while banknotes with a value of under 1,000 Som are legal tender, these are also rarely used. The main denominations are 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000 and 200,000 Som. Although you can exchange money outside Uzbekistan, it’s usually easiest to get currency in the country, with banks exchanging major currencies including US dollars, British pounds and Euros, or from ATMs in the major cities. Credit cards are also accepted in cities and major tourist centres, with Visa more popular than Mastercard but it’s common to be charged a fee.

The biggest consideration when you’re packing for any Uzbekistan holidays is the weather, as this can vary widely throughout the year and in different areas of the country. If you’re visiting in winter or summer, you’ll need to pack for subzero temperatures or searing heat but the majority of travellers visit during spring and autumn, when the temperatures are less extreme. You’ll still find that mornings and evenings much cooler than daytime, so layers are essential such as a T-shirt with long skirt or lightweight trousers, cardigan or fleece plus a lightweight jacket and raincoat are advisable. You’ll also need to cover shoulders and knees at religious sites (women also need to cover their heads) so a scarf is another useful essential. Comfortable closed-toe shoes are a good plan for exploring historic sites, as well as SPF and sunhats as there’s often little shade. Otherwise Uzbek attitudes to clothing are more relaxed than neighbouring countries. For more tips, check out our packing guide.

There are no specific vaccination requirements to enter Uzbekistan, and no need for a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Travellers are recommended to have the usual course of vaccinations for life in their home country, including boosters for tetanus. Those who may be at higher risk should also consider Typhoid and Hepatitis A and B vaccinations. Malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases are not normally present in Uzbekistan.

Uzbek foods tend to be filling and hearty, with the emphasis on meat dishes. If you only try one thing, Plov is Uzbekistan’s big traditional dish, made with spiced lamb or beef with rice. Or Lagman noodle soup, using different meats and vegetables is another great comfort food option for cold nights. Look out for Manti, Uzbekistan’s version of dumplings, stuffed with meat and served with a yoghurt sauce, as well as Samsa, pastries filled with meat or vegetables, and Shashlik, grilled lamb or beef kebabs. Vegetarian dishes are more limited, although you’ll find some salads and soups and vegetarian options are becoming more widespread. Coffee is also not common, although you’ll encounter tea on offer everywhere during your Uzbekistan tour.

Uzbekistan is very welcoming to tourists, and you can expect lots of locals approaching you to chat (though English can be limited) and for photos. Any extra effort to follow and understand Uzbek customs will be appreciated, such as respectfully greeting elders or giving thanks after a meal by cupping your hands over your face. Learning basic Uzbek phrases also helps show your respect for local culture but don’t expect people to talk politics here. While haggling is acceptable in bazaars or if you’re taking taxis, prices aren’t as over-inflated as in some other destinations, so over-aggressive haggling is unlikely to be successful. 

Very easily. Uzbekistan’s high-speed rail network makes getting around very easy, with a journey of only around 2 ½ hours between Samarkand and Bukhara. For more far-flung destinations such as Urgench, there are internal flights. The country itself is a similar size to Spain, but most Uzbekistan tour itineraries focus on the key sights so it’s very easy to fit into a 10-day trip.

There’s everything from birdwatching and gentle hiking to climbing in the mountains of Uzbekistan and exploring the desert between Khiva and Bukhara, if you’re looking for outdoor activities. Head to the Tien Shan and Pamir Alai mountain ranges for true adventure, including scaling some of the peaks, paragliding, mountain biking and skiing in winter. Or discover the green side of the country in Zaamin Natural Park, called the Switzerland of Uzbekistan, as well as the lush Ferghana Valley.

The biggest event of the year is Navruz, the celebration of the spring equinox and Persian New Year on March 21, with around five days of holidays. You’ll find events galore, from street festivals to music, arts and crafts and food, although expect everywhere to be busier, and travelling around the country can be more difficult as tickets get booked up quickly (unless you’re taking a guided Uzbekistan tour). Bukhara’s Silk and Spices Festival takes place in May and June, with music and dance performances and local Uzbek cuisine, while you’ll also find other events running during the autumn months, including fashion week and contemporary art celebrations in Tashkent, plus various music festivals in Samarkand and Shakhrisabz in September.

Absolutely. Children are welcome everywhere, and you’ll see multi-generational Uzbek families travelling together, with plenty of people ready to help make journeys easier if you are travelling with kids. The historic sites are fascinating for all ages, and you’ll also find lots of green space in the cities as well as puppet shows to keep younger ones entertained.

Yes, most land border crossings make travel between Central Asian countries (or the Stans as they’re often collectively known) very straightforward. A few borders can only be used by locals, while some border areas and destinations are unsafe, so it’s worth checking the latest travel information before you plan your trip. Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are easy to combine, with a chance to discover nomad life and the mountains in the former, before seeing the Silk Route cities in the latter. Kazakhstan is another good combination, although it’s a huge country so plan accordingly unless you have plenty of time to explore. Turkmenistan can be harder to visit with visas not always easy to obtain, while Tajikistan is less developed for tourism.

Tipping is not compulsory or expected in Uzbekistan, although if you’ve received exceptional service, you’re free to leave a tip which will always be appreciated. It’s also becoming more common for restaurants to add around 10% to the final bill. Your tour manager can advise on tips for drivers and guides; you can also find suggested amounts in our useful information sheet, which will be sent to you before you travel. Porterage is included in our Uzbekistan guided tour.